sulfuric

adjective

sul·​fu·​ric ˌsəl-ˈfyu̇r-ik 

variants or chiefly British sulphuric

: of, relating to, or containing sulfur especially with a higher valence than sulfurous compounds

sulfuric esters

Examples of sulfuric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Interestingly, the researchers discovered a partial sulfur cycle, too — but the hot springs had very few sulfuric compounds to support such activity. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2025

Scrambling from one fireworks complaint to another to stamp out the festivities, only to arrive and find the perpetrators have vanished in a sulfuric firecracker haze. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025

Place a wet paper towel nearby: It's said that placing a damp paper towel near the cutting area can absorb sulfuric compounds, potentially reducing eye irritation. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 16 May 2025

While these chemicals tend to have an unpleasant, sulfuric odor to them, this one has a light floral scent. —Danielle Jackson, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sulfuric

• sulfuric acid

Rhymes for sulfuric

• mercuric
• purpuric
• yurok

Kids Definition

sulfuric

adjective

sul·​fu·​ric ˌsəl-ˈfyu̇(ə)r-ik 

: of, relating to, or containing sulfur

Medical Definition

sulfuric

adjective

sul·​fu·​ric

variants or chiefly British sulphuric

ˌsəl-ˈfyu̇(ə)r-ik 

: of, relating to, or containing sulfur especially with a higher valence than sulfurous compounds

sulfuric esters